Looks like the Sound of Music is going to fill the air in June

By Staff

March 4th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With the Covid19 restrictions being lifted and the new infections numbers and hospitalization getting lower and lower – is there not a good reason to begin thinking about the Sound of Music?

They have put out their call for volunteers which means they are working on a boffo program for the summer.

Imagine the Sound of Music floating up from the lake and lower Brant Street packed with visitors.

Click here and become part of the party

The Sound of Music takes place the week leading up to Father’s Day! This year, our Club Series kicks off on Sunday, June 12th and the festival in Spencer Smith Park runs from Thursday June 16th to Sunday June 19th, 2022

Return to the Front page

Beautiful Things To Do And See In Burlington, Ontario

Jeannie Lojstrup
March 2nd, 2022
BURLINGTON, ON

It’s safe to say that when people discuss tourism and Canada, they won’t mention the beautiful town of Burlington, Ontario. It’s simply not as spectacular as other destinations in Canada, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do or see there. As a matter of fact, Burlington is not supposed to be spectacular. At least not in a way most people are used to when it comes to spectacular things. If you didn’t know, Burlington is a quiet town located near the heart of the beautiful Lake Ontario. That means it has the unique ambiance and a soul of a lake town. If you’re planning a vacation in Burlington, you will experience a peaceful journey that will teach you to enjoy the little things. Here’s what to do and see in Burlington.

Spend A Wonderful Afternoon At Lowville Park

If you want to spend a peaceful day and enjoy the wonderful scenery Burlington has to offer, you should go to the Lowville Park and have a picnic with your loved one. There, you can enjoy fresh air, peace, and mild sounds of water. The beautiful nature at Lowville Park will heal your soul and you will feel like a new man or a woman at the end of the day.

The Royal Botanical Gardens – splendid any time of year.

Wander The Royal Botanical Gardens

For people who love flora, the Royal Botanical Gardens is definitely the best thing in Burlington. The wonderful site has both magical indoor and outdoor gardens and 27kms of nature trails you can explore. While you’re walking through the gardens you will have a chance to see 2,400 plant species. You have to admit, that’s a wonderful experience, especially for people who love plants. However, seeing many species of plants is not the only thing you can do at Royal Botanical Gardens. If you would like to try delicious local cuisine, you will be happy to know that there are two on-site restaurants with spectacular dishes made from vegetables and fruits from local farms. If you get tired on your walk, you should know that there is a teahouse where you can take a break and enjoy a cup of tea.

Eat Fresh And Delicious Food At Springridge Farm

If you’re looking for delicious local food, then you simply must visit the Springridge Farm. The heavenly farm is located just north of the city and it has a lot of fresh domestic produce to offer. The food is fresh because it’s seasonal. That means, if you want to eat fresh strawberries, you have to come during summer. The local men and women will tell you that the food is amazing, but that’s not the only thing this farm has. At the Springridge Farm, you can play games and experience the wonders of farm life.

A quaint little spot in the downtown core with a couple of fine restaurants and a great cigar store

Explore The Village Square

As we already said, Burlington is a small city and like most small towns, it has a beautiful and intimate village square. It’s safe to say that the square looks like it’s from another time. It’s like you strayed into a TV show that tells a story of an older and simpler life. If you want to have a peaceful afternoon you simply must go to the village square. Sit at one of the coffee shops, order a coffee, and simply breathe the wonderful ambient this town has. Admire the old buildings you won’t find anywhere else. The old houses will tell you the stories of the past life while you drink your delicious coffee.

Brant Street Pier

The Pier – pride of the city on the edge of one of the largest lakes in Canada

The most beautiful thing when it comes to Burlington has to be the Lake Ontario. The best way to experience the beautiful lake is to go to the Brant Street Pier. There, you can walk the peaceful beach and breathe the fresh air. The Brant Street Pier is beautiful any time of day, but if you want to see the spectacular beauty this town has to offer, you should go to the beach late in the afternoon. That will give you a chance to see the most beautiful sunset in your life. The best thing is, when the night comes, you don’t have to go home. There are a lot of events you can attend and a lot of fun things you can do at the beach at night.

Final Word

As we said, when people discuss Canada and tourism, they usually won’t mention Burlington town. That’s because Burlington is a small town and people simply don’t know what it has to offer. If you read the article, you saw that the town on the coast of Lake Ontario has a lot of beautiful things to offer people. If you plan on exploring Canada, make sure you go to Burlington and experience the wonders of a small lake town.

Return to the Front page

Burlington welterweight Mike Malott to make UFC debut in April

By Keith Sundaram

February 28th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Mike Malott is a 24-year-old Featherweight contender.

Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Boxing, and finally MMA were all a part of Malott’s fighting experience that began in 2007. Dalhousie College in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia attracted Malott. In 2010, Malott began learning Muay Thai and Boxing at Titans Gym Academy, his personal gym.

Since being active in combat sports, Malott has competed in Ufc, Grappling, Kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Judo, both as an enthusiast and a professional. As a result, he has an extremely diverse fighting style.

In May 2012, he made his professional MMA debut by submitting James Saunders in the first round. To pay for his opponent’s flight from Toronto to Trenton, Nova Scotia, Mike Imperato (3-0) forfeited his prize 6 weeks later. Mallot, competing for free, submitted Imperato by armbar in the second round. Malott stated this in an interview following the bout: “This fight was a freebie for me. This isn’t a job for me; it’s a hobby that I enjoy. I’d gladly pay for this experience, and I’ve already done so as an amateur.”

How Malott joining the competition will affect Canada’s UFC betting industry

UFC betting is gaining a lot of popularity in Canada thanks to a massive rise in viewership, having all these Canadian fighters join such a major global competition, Sports lovers from all across Canada are supporting their fellow local athletes as much as they can in an attempt to bring their nationality to the top of the leaderboards. Mike Malott is an incredible fighter and since he will debut in the UFC this April, we are sure to be seeing an upsurge in Canadian views on the UFC, as well as Canadians betting on the sport, since he will be deemed as the underdog by the oddsmakers, there will be a good chance for people who bet on him to make a significant profit.>

How to join in on the UFC betting action in Canada

For long-term success, it’s frequently more than simply fortune that is required. This is also true in the Octagon, where competitors rise to the challenge when the chips are down. Betting on the UFC, like other professional sports, might be challenging, particularly for those who are just casually interested in MMA. However, this does not rule out the possibility of profiting from UFC wagering. To learn more about the different MMA betting markets, get exclusive UFC betting tips, and how to earn a profit while betting on the world’s most intense contact sport, it’s ideal that players looking to have some wagering fun to turn to trustworthy sources of reliable information to learn all there is to know about the top trustworthy online sportsbooks for UFC events providing UFC betting odds, MMA betting odds for other mixed martial arts leagues, including Bellator fights.

Is it possible to profit from UFC betting?

You’ll have to put in some effort if you want to profit from any sports gambling possibility. Everybody would do it if it were simple, there would be no winners.

To be a good UFC bettor, you’ll need a variety of skills and information in addition to a basic understanding of the sport. Even the most ardent UFC fans might not have been the best bettors in the business.

An individual admires too much the favorite combatant. To put it another way, if you’re a big fan of Connor McGregor, you probably love seeing him compete.

However, you must be realistic and accept the possibility that he will lose. Even more so if the opponent he faces is well-matched against him.

There are five defeats on McGregor’s record as an example. A superb submission artist might put him in serious jeopardy, as four of his victories have come by submission thus far.

Another approach to profit from UFC gambling is to select the sort of bet you want to put down. The most popular types of wagering include money lines, over/under round totals, and means of winning.

The Moneyline is a prediction of the winner of the bout. The number of rounds the fight will last before it is declared a draw is known as the “over/under” or “tallies” wager. After that comes a forecast of how you think the winner will be victorious, whether by knockout or submission.

In order to have a long-term winning streak and to place the greatest wagers, you must be able to decipher odds. So, let’s take a closer look at the UFC betting odds.

What formula is used to determine the UFC’s odds?

When a duel is scheduled, the gambling industry adjusts the worth of the boxers in the matchup.

A money line choice is the most typical type of line you’ll come across.The odds will shift somewhat in favor of specific combatants as more bets are placed on them. A sportsbook will modify the odds if too many people bet on one boxer, making it more enticing to gamble on the other.

Return to the Front page

Parts of city web site to be down March 3rd for scheduled maintenance

By Staff

February 25th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Some City web applications and online forms temporarily unavailable for scheduled maintenance March 3

On Thursday, March 3, 2022, the following applications and forms will not be available starting at 10 p.m. until Friday, March 4 at 2 a.m.:

  • Burlington calendar
  • Application to search for City parks and facilities
  • The City’s online job application platform

This maintenance work has been scheduled in the evening hours to limit the disruption.

Return to the Front page

Halton Black History Awareness Society sponsoring an Essay Contest.

By Staff

February 23rd, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Halton Black History Awareness Society (HBHAS) is a passionate group of multi-culturals, dedicated towards implementing cultural education into the public and institutional mindset towards appreciating the values of inclusivity, equality, and self development while depleting bullying, prejudice and inequality on any and all levels.

We are a “community” globally focused on mitigating negative relations towards all marginalized communities and individuals.

Our mission is learning, uncovering and promoting Canadian Black History towards a progressive inclusive future through annual events including the Halton Freedom Celebration: Jazz & Blues Festival, the Emancipation Art Exhibition, a HBHAS Gospel presentation, and HBHAS Presents –  speaking engagements to the public, elementary, secondary, university & college students;  businesses; youth mentoring; community groups; and, historical, genealogical and heritage organizations.”At this moment, we all face a choice. We can choose to press forward with a better model of cooperation and integration, or we can retreat in a world sharply divided and ultimately in conflict.” – President Obama, United Nations General Assembly Conference.

“Halton is the fastest growing visible minority region in Canada growing 78% within a five year span with Milton growing 176% in visible minority growth within the same time frame.” – Canada Census 2016.

“Burlington is the first city in the world to acclaim August as Emancipation Month” – 2018 Halton Freedom Celebration Festival – Dwight Lee III

“The Emancipation process started in the Burlington/Branford/Hamilton area, where two parliamentarians seeing a Joseph Brant slave screaming at her bounty hunter abductor, due to the Fugitive Slave Act in the U.S., took this incident back to Parliament initiating the Lieutenant Governor in legislating the 1793 Act against Slavery which abolished new slaves being brought into what is now Canada.; This promoted the, August 1st, 1834 British Abolition against slavery in most of the Commonwealth.”

Return to the Front page

Best 2022 Sporting Events in and Around Southern Ontario

By Jack Adams

February 23rd, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

As Canada’s most populated province, it is no surprise that Ontario is one of the most popular sporting areas in country. With a whole host of athletes and sports team spread across leagues in Canada and the United States, there has been some huge events in the state in recent years, with local fans enjoying the successes of their teams also. In 2019, millions of fans flooded downtown Toronto following the Toronto Raptors first ever NBA Finals triumph. Two years prior, MLS side Toronto FC beat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 in the MLS Cup final at BMO Field.

With such a rich sporting history, we can only expect more to be made in 2022. Let’s take a look at some of the best sports events yet to come in the state.

You will never leave a hockey game thrilled – the speed, the talent and the sheer hustle of the game.

Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs – Apr 16 2022
One of the NHL’s biggest rivalries, The Battle of Toronto is not to be missed. Dating back since before the founding of the league, the Maple Leafs, as the Toronto Arenas, and the original Senators were two of the founding teams of the NHL. It was not until the 90s however that games between the modern Senators and the Leafs played each other in the league, when the conferences and divisions were re-aligned, and Toronto was moved into the Eastern Conference’s Northeast Division. The Leafs have frequently got the better of the Senators when it has mattered in recent years, with Toronto winning all 4 series when they met in the playoffs in the early 2000s. It appears the Senators may struggle this season too, with betting odds having them at 500/1 to win the Stanley Cup.

We call it soccer in Canada – Canadian teams are getting better and better. Is a World Cup in store – not soon but eventually.

Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact – Sept 5 2022
From one rivalry into another, the ‘Canadian Classique’ also known as the 401 Derby and the Two Solitudes Derby, is Canadian soccer’s fiercest rivalry. Battled between two of Canada’s three premier MLS teams, the rivalry between both sets of supporters is intense, creating an incredible atmosphere at games. This year’s MLS fixture at the BMO Stadium will be a rematch of last season’s Canadian Championship, in which Montreal came out the victors securing their spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. However, Toronto have regularly had Montreal’s number, with a 26-16-10 record in all competitions. The fallout from last year’s Canadian Championship final is sure to spill over into this game so make sure not to miss it!

Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers – Apr 7 2022
The Raptors have had a relatively average season so far but are still on course to make it to the play-in tournament in their quest to make it 3 playoff appearances in 4 seasons. The 76ers are also hopeful of reaching their 5th appearance in as many seasons. As well as being important to both team’s journey to the playoffs, this game will also be a rematch of the 2019 Conference semi-finals in which the Raptors came out on top before heading to the finals and winning the big one. Although they may not be playing as well as previous seasons, the Raptors still hold on to their talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo. The ‘Greek Freak’ is worth the entry fee alone and with both teams relatively close together in the Eastern Conference standings, this is sure to be a crunch game for the pair.

Rivals for decades – located at either end of the QEW – they will always turn out a great performance. Hamilton came close to taking the Grey Cup – very close,

Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs Toronto Argonauts – Aug 13 2022
Make no mistake about it— physical proximity in Ontario does not equal sporting warmth. The bitter feud between these two Ontario teams is one of the best in the Canadian Football League and provides an incredible sporting display for fans. The Argonauts have been extremely successful in terms of Grey Cups with 18 to the Tiger-Cats 8. However, the pair’s Labour Day matchups have been most frequently won by the latter, who have recorded 36 wins to 13. The Toronto—Hamilton Classic is one of the components of the Harold Ballard Trophy, an award given to the winner of the season series between the Tiger-Cats and Argonauts. The trophy is named after Harold Ballard, who owned the Tiger-Cats for much of the 1980s.

World famous Harlem Globe Trotters – more entertainment than sport – and a delight to watch.

Harlem Globetrotters – March 8 2022
Ending on an entertaining note, the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly reimagined Spread Game tour to Ontario this year. Described as a display of ‘Ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim-rattling dunks’ the Globetrotters are an American exhibition basketball team who combine incredible feats of athleticism with comedy and theatre. They have been committed to spreading joy and a beautiful message of social justice for nearly 100 years as they have entertained millions all around the globe. They will come to the Budweiser Gardens in London, with tickets as low as $28.75.

Return to the Front page

Last three days for the Share the Love Food Bank drive

By Pepper Parr

February 17th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Three more days to Share the Love and share the food you purchase with the Burlington Food Bank.

The drive that started last Sunday has collected 350 lbs of Food and $1400 in cash and gift card donations.

.

Merrilee and Don Fraser have worked tirelessly making telephone calls and picking up food donations.

The food donations are still needed; the local economy is not yet back to normal.

Related news story.

A unique group of people making a difference.

Return to the Front page

Family Day - have you decided what you want to do?

By Staff

February 16th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

City of Burlington administrative services will be closed for Family Day, on Monday, Feb. 21. For a list of which City services and facilities are available on the Family Day holiday weekend, please see the summary below or visit burlington.ca.

*Important information regarding COVID-19: The information provided below is accurate as of Feb. 14, 2022. In the event of any changes made by the Province of Ontario to current COVID-19 public health measures, please visit burlington.ca/coronavirus for potential impacts to City services and programs.

Residents can also stay informed about city news on our social media channels: @cityburlington on Twitter and facebook.com/cityburlington.

City Service Holiday Closure Information
Animal Services

 

To report an animal related emergency on a statutory holiday, please call 1-888-264-3135.

The Animal Shelter at 2424 Industrial St. remains closed to the public due to COVID-19, however services are ongoing. For more information, call 905-335-3030 or visit www.burlington.ca/animal.

Burlington Transit Burlington Transit will operate a Sunday schedule on Family Day. For real-time bus information and schedules visit myride.burlingtontransit.ca.

The downtown terminal at 430 John St. and Specialized Dispatch will be closed.

City Hall The Service Burlington counter, temporarily located on the second floor at City Hall (426 Brant St.), will be closed to all appointments on Monday, Feb. 21.

Many service payments are available online at burlington.ca/onlineservices.

Halton Court Services – Provincial Offences Office Court administration counter services at 4085 Palladium Way will be closed on Monday Feb. 21.

With the exception of the Family Day closure, telephone payments are available at 905-637-1274, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. All in-person services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Many services are also available by email at burlingtoncourt@burlington.ca or online at Halton Court Services.

 Parking Free parking is available downtown, on the street, in municipal lots and in the parking garage (414 Locust St) on weekends and holidays.

NOTE: The Waterfront parking lots (east and west) do not provide free parking on statutory holidays.

No on-street parking is permitted during a snow event and parking exemptions are cancelled during this time. On-street parking can resume after the snow event has been declared over by Roads, Parks and Forestry. Follow burlington.ca/snow.

Recreation Programs and Facilities Indoor drop-in activities such as swimming, skating, and drop-in gym times are offered on a reduced schedule over the Family Day weekend, please visit burlington.ca/dropinandplay for program times and online registration.

Looking to plan a private skating or shinny time for your family group? There are still limited hourly ice rink rental times available at Appleby Ice Centre. For booking requests, please email rentals@burlington.ca.

Burlington has a wide variety of outdoor activities to enjoy with your family during the winter season including:

  • disc golf at Tyandaga Golf Course, 1265 Tyandaga Park Dr.
  • skating
  • tobogganing
  • trails and multi-use paths
  • parks and playgrounds.

Find out more at burlington.ca/outdoorplay.

Our Lending Library has winter outdoor equipment available to borrow at no charge. Visit burlington.ca/playlending for details.

Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond will be open daily for outdoor skating, weather conditions permitting. Pre-registration is not required. For more information, visit burlington.ca/pond and remember to check ice conditions before leaving home by calling 905-335-7738, ext. 8587.

Roads, Parks and Forestry The administrative office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21.

Essential services, including winter control, will be provided as required.

Burlington is a City where people, nature and businesses thrive. As residents continue to rediscover many of their favourite spaces and activities in the city, City services may look different as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19. The City’s commitment to providing the community with essential services remains a priority. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at Burlington.ca/Enews and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

 

Return to the Front page

City Council Workshop: A closer look at our relationship with the Indigenous community

By Pepper Parr

February 15th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Monday afternoon City Council held an Indigenous education workshop. It was, unfortunately not widely promoted by members of Council or the city’s communications department.  Unfortunate.

The name Joseph Brant is well recognized; his role in the development of the land that was territory the Indigenous people lived on is not that well understood.

They own precious little of that land today.  The workshop is about how that came to be.

The Mississauga of the Credit First Nation lay claim to a large area; the part known as the Haldimand Tract is tightly tied to Joseph Brant.

Over time land was taken from the Indigenous community through different treaties.

There were two main speakers who had a lot to say. You might want to listen to:

Darin Wybenga, Acting Director and Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator, Mississauga of the Credit First Nation, who  spoke on; “Mississauga of the Credit First Nation – We are Still Here.”

Indeed they are

There was a time when the majority of people living in what is Canada today believed what the Indian Act said.

Following Darin Wybenga is Bryant Peters, College Instructor at Fleming College and Executive Consultant from the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, who spoke about the:  Indian Act – What Can We Do?

It looked at one point if Peters was going to read every section of the Indian Act – a very repressive piece of legislation that is still in place.

Both speakers made extensive use of visuals and maps.

It should be well worth your time to spend some time listening to what was said.  We will have more to tell you about this Workshop later in the week.

Burlington, like most local governments, now reads a land acknowledgement before each meeting.

If Darin Wybenga is correct, and he probably is, our reference to the Bowl with one spoon wampum is incorrect.  Look for Council to correct that error.

Wampum belts were used as signatories to commemorate and, to some degree, legitimize an event.

The biggest lesson this writer learned was the significant difference between what the Indigenous people thought when they were signing a land treaty and the view the British had.

The British believed they were acquiring land which they described and defined in the treaties; the Indigenous people believed they were agreeing to share the land.

They were either not able to or didn’t know how to get that language into the treaties.

As a result they are left with bits and pieces of the land they inhabited. The 4 million acres they started with was whittled down to 200 acres.

And we wonder why they are angry.

Return to the Front page

Repair Cafe will set up at Tansley Woods March 12th - free help with things that no longer work

By Staff

February 11th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington has hundreds, maybe even thousands of people who took early retirement or put in their 25 years and stopped punching a clock – and are looking for something to do that appeals to their better selves.

Some serve on committees, others join service clubs and others come up with an idea of their own and look for ways to make it happen.

Typical set up at a Repair Cafe.

Lawson Hunter has served on a number of committees – including Community Development Halton, served on a committee that wanted to hear what the public had to say about the Tansley Woods Centre that was to be developed.  He worked with the Burlington Food Bank for a period of time.

He was former Program Manager at Cable 14 Hamilton; former Executive Director at Jamesville Business Improvement Area (Hamilton); former Communications Assistant to Lily Oddie Munro, Minister of Culture & Communications; former Administrator at Burlington Art Centre (now Art Gallery of Burlington); retired Letter Carrier at Canada Post.

At 21 years of age, Hunter was the youngest Board member of the Sarnia Public Library & Art Gallery.

He has clearly earned his stripes.

With time on his hands Hunter heard about the Repair Café; an organization with 1500 volunteer units around the world and about eight in Canada.  Toronto has a Repair Café that has been operational for five years.

Hunter set up an outdoor Repair Café with the Aldershot BIA to learn what the interest might be.  “One lady came in with a knock off Tiffany Lamp and wanted the cord replaced.  While we were working on the lamp another lamp walked by, saw the lamp and said – I have one of those and the cord is worn out – can you fix it?.  We could and we did.

“Before the day was over a third person said she too had a lamp that needed a new cord.  I knew we were filling a need.”

Hunter adds just how immediate a repair need can be.  “A woman came in asking if we could repair the cord on her electric mowing machine – and get it done before her husband came home.

Lawson Hunter delegating to city council

With a couple of trial runs in different parts of the city Hunter knew he had identified a need and rounded up some of his friends and applied to the city for a Community grant.

His application was accepted – the next repair Café will be in Tansley Woods Centre on March 12th – runs from 10 am to 1:00 pm

Show up and they will do what they can for you.

There is no charge for the labour – you are expected to pay for any parts that are needed.

Then he came up with an idea – why not help people fix things?  He wasn’t thinking of helping people fix their relationships – that’s not quite where Lawson excels.

He wanted to help people fix a toaster or a blending machine or a CD player.

He applied for and got a grant from the city (cheque hasn’t arrived yet) to set up the Repair Café. “We’re just a bunch of guys that want to fix things and keep them out of the landfill site” said Hunter.  To use the moniker of a ‘Repair Cafe’, means to agree to the policy of not charging for repairs (parts yes, labour no) which he adds – “ it’s a terrible business model but a great community service.”

“Getting in touch with the Repair Cafe is easy: All residents are invited to contact us to let us know what items they need to get fixed to keep them out of the global garbage heap.  Email us at burlingtonrepaircafe@cogeco.ca  or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Burlington.Canada.Repair.Cafe

 

 

Return to the Front page

Everything you ever wanted to know about what makes owls incredibly interesting and majestic creatures.

By Staff

February 8th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Burlington Green is inviting everyone to a fascinating webinar on February 23 from 6:30-7:30pm:  The Mystique of Owls: An Introduction to Owling in Ontario with guest speaker, Bob Bell!

Owls are incredibly interesting and majestic creatures

“Bob joined us back in September providing a superb Introduction to Birding in a  presentation so we are thrilled to have him join us again.”

Owls are incredibly interesting and majestic creatures. If you have ever wanted to learn more about owls and owling in Ontario, then you will want to tune in to this event!

Avid local birder and member of the Bird Friendly Hamilton Burlington team, Bob Bell, introduces the mystical world of owling! You can expect to learn about: owls in culture, the “superpowers” of owls that make them unique, tips for owling, ethical owling, and more!

Are you interested but not able to attend? No problem, this event will be recorded. A link to the video recording will be sent to all registrants following the event. Closed captioning will be available on the recorded link.

Register to attend the webinar!

This event is supported by the Burlington Foundation and NUVO Network.

 

Return to the Front page

Pop up events to make people aware of population growth plans to take place on Saturday

By Staff

February 4th, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The growth that municipalities have to take on to reach the provincially determined population levels has a lot of people concerned about  losses of rural agricultural land to residential development.

The rural Burlington that the Stop the Sprawl group wants to keep.

Stop Sprawl Halton will be holding COVID-safe pop-up events this Saturday, February 5th, 1:30pm – 2pm

Oakville & Burlington — Stop Sprawl Halton announces two COVID-safe pop-up events, one in Oakville, the other in Burlington, to spread awareness to protect irreplaceable Halton farmland.

Locations —    N.E. corner of Trafalgar and Cornwall in Oakville

North Service Rd. and Brant St. in Burlington

What — Stop Sprawl Halton will host two peaceful, COVID-safe, pop-up events this Saturday, to spread awareness about the Region’s plans to expand the urban boundary, and to hand out free “Save Our Farms” lawn signs.

Safety – Participants must wear a mask and remain 6’ apart from others at all times. They must also remain on the intersection sidewalks, and not interfere with traffic.

About Stop Sprawl Halton – Stop Sprawl Halton (SSH) is a grass-roots organization that coalesced after Hamilton’s Stop Sprawl campaign won a “no urban boundary expansion” vote at Hamilton City Council on November 19, 2021. Like other Stop Sprawl campaigns developing in municipalities across Southern Ontario, Stop Sprawl Halton is a champion for vibrant, sustainable growth within existing urban boundaries. SSH believes the provincially mandated growth targets can be achieved through modest singles and semi-detached homes, combined with other low-rise forms, in mixed-use communities.

 

Return to the Front page

HDSB Director of Education Curtis Ennis launches his public participation event

By Staff

January 31st, 2020

BURLINGTON, ON

 

In the Region of Halton it has become the practice for the Director of Education to create a program that is their reaching out to the community to involve the public ia a public education event with a focus they chose.

Former Director of Education Stewart Miller worked with Stephen Lewis and Jesse Wente and brought them to the community. Covid19 limited what Stephen Lewis was able to do.

Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.

The new Director of Education, Curtis Ennis has put together a series of public participation event, the first being a Panel on , Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred and will take place on February 7th at 6 p.m. virtually at www.hdsb.ca

HDSB families, staff and community members are invited to the Director’s Panel Series on Identity, Inclusion & Human Rights to raise awareness on historical and contemporary issues of identity, inclusion and human rights. The first session in the panel series will be:

Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred
Monday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.
This will be a virtual event, with the livestream linked on the HDSB website (www.hdsb.ca).
Registration is not required.
Panel speakers include:

● Dr. Karen R. Mock, Human Rights Advocate and Educator
● Bernie Farber, Chair, Canadian Anti-Hate Network
● Rabbi Stephen Wise, Spiritual Leader of Shaarei-Beth El Congregation of Oakville
● Sharon Khavkine-Binstock, McMaster University student and former HDSB student
● Eszter Reti, Grade 12 HDSB student
● A representative from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA)

Those interested in attending the event can submit a question to the panel before or during the presentation through this Google Form: https://forms.gle/L5AxQvpErhR9wpkG9

“Each session in the series will explore how issues of identity and inclusion intersect with education,” says Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board.

“This provides an opportunity to create awareness of multiple perspectives of insight and analysis on how individual identities can be reflected and engaged in the broader HDSB community. This panel series aligns with the Board’s commitment to raise awareness of diverse community perspectives and the need to broaden resources to support inclusion and student achievement, as reflected in the HDSB’s Multi-Year Plan 2020-2024 and the Human Rights Equity Action & Accountability Plan – The Way Forward.”

Future sessions in the series include Black Excellence, Transgender Awareness, Indigenous Perspectives on Decolonizing Education and Land and Perspectives on Islam. These sessions will take place in the coming months, with specific dates to be confirmed soon.

Related news story:

HDSB appoints new Director of Education; hails from Toronto Board

Return to the Front page

Performing Arts Centre re-schedules and re-opens - it all begins February 20th

By Staff

January 31st, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

“Live, Local and Open for Business” said Performing Arts Centre Executive Director Tammy Fox who sat down crossed her fingers and whispered “I hope we can live up to the claim.

The box office re-opens February 1; Performances return February 20

The City’s music and cultural hub season resumes with three performances in the Community Studio Theatre to delight BPAC patrons in-person and online.

“Our 2021-22 Season was put on hold during the latest round of pandemic restrictions, so we went to work re-scheduling the amazing talent booked to play our stages and we’re proud to present our updated lineup that runs from local artists to musical legends.  Patrons can expect the same first-class entertainment we have delivered for the past 10 years, in an atmosphere where they can feel safe.”

February performances (listed below) will all be presented in BPAC’s Community Studio Theatre; each show includes the option of attending in person or live-streaming the performances from the comfort of your home. Please visit burlingtonpac.ca for show times and ticket pricing.

Ontario guidelines, require all patrons to show proof of COVID-19 double vaccination to be permitted entry into the facility. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is pleased to accommodate our patrons at 50% capacity in our facilities at this time.

The Mark Lalama Trio hosts local talent as the Performing Arts Centre prepares to welcome their patrons into a venue that has been dark far too long.

The LIVE & LOCAL SERIES opens on Sunday, February 20, when STEVE STRONGMAN, JAMES OLIVER BILJAK and THOM ANTHONY join our musical hosts, THE MARK LALAMA TRIO. Experience the energy, spontaneity and magic of musical cross-pollination, as emerging and established homegrown talent combine with a house band made up of the area’s most highly sought-after touring and studio musicians.

Award-Winning Canadian blues man STEVE STRONGMAN is a versatile talent, and a restless one. By constantly pushing himself in new directions, he has kept himself vital. His talent is huge and impossible to miss, and it’s matched by his staggering musical ambition – as a guitar-slinger, songwriter or vocalist. The same structures and progressions that animate blues and roots music can also choke the air out of it, smothering it in caricature and cliche. But Strongman is a subtle shape-shifter who manages to slip that trap without betraying the music he loves. Throughout, he never sounds an inauthentic note or loses touch with the essence of the Blues.

JAMES BILJAK is The Burlington Performing Arts Centre’s own venue technician as well as an amazing musician, and his brother, THOM ANTHONY, is the frontman for the band Tenth Planet.

Thom Anthony

The MARK LALAMA TRIO consists of Mark Lalama on keyboards and vocals, Davide DiRenzo on drums and vocals, and Rich Moore on bass and vocals – all in-demand session and touring musicians who have played on hundreds of stages and studio recordings with top artists ranging from Tom Cochrane to Holly Cole and just about everyone in between. This trio is fast earning a reputation as one of the most engaging and intuitive bands around, and together they create a unique brand of incredible, genre-defying original music that never fails to inspire those who are there to take it all in.

March 11  STEVEN TAETZ brings his repertoire of contemporary roots, jazz, blues, swing and neo-soul music to BPAC on Friday, . As a lyricist and composer, he has written for many internationally renowned artists, and led a cross-Canadian collaborative project, where he co-wrote a concept album with JUNO-award-winners from each province of Canada. Since 2014, Steven returned to his training and early performance roots, focusing on the American Songbook and jazz standards, writing and recording traditional-pop, and swing originals. His musical style has been compared to greats like Roy Orbison, k.d lang, Norah Jones, and Chet Baker, and performances include innovative interpretations of classic hits, as well as signature originals co-written with top Canadian artists.

The LIVE & LOCAL SERIES returns to the Community Studio Theatre stage on Sunday, March 13, featuring Canadian music icon SUSAN AGLUKARK, as well as singer/songwriter and BPAC Board member PETE VAN DYK, with the MARK LALAMA TRIO expertly supporting this evening of musical collaboration.

Susan Aglukark – at the Performing Arts Centre this year as long as we can remain in Phase 2 of the Reopening Ontario Road map.

nuk singer/songwriter SUSAN AGLUKARK is one of Canada’s most unique artists and a leading voice in Canadian music. She blends the Inuktitut, Indigenous and English languages with contemporary pop music arrangements to tell the stories of her fellow people, the Inuit of Arctic Canada and her fellow Indigenous groups.

The emotional depth and honesty of her lyrics; her pure, clear voice and themes of hope, spirit and encouragement have captivated and inspired listeners from all walks of life. Susan was invited into the Order of Canada and was presented her Officer of the Order of Canada award in September of 2005 for her contribution both musically and as a workshop facilitator and mentor in the Indigenous community and was awarded the Governor Generals Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award in June of 2016.

21/22 WINTER/SPRING season continues with:

Sunday, March 13, 2022 LIVE & LOCAL Hosted by Mark Lalama Trio
Saturday, March 19, 2022 Classic Albums Live: CCR CHRONICLE
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 THE SEAN CULLEN COCKTAIL HOUR
Friday, April 1, 2022 Classic Albums Live: EAGLES GREATEST HITS
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 THE SEAN CULLEN COCKTAIL HOUR
Thursday, May 5, 2022 CHILLIWACK
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 THE DREAMBOATS
Thursday, May 12, 2022 JEREMY HOTZ: The Marquis de Sad Tour

21/22 Season Performances RESCHEDULED to the 22/23 SEASON:

Thursday, September 15, 2022 AIR SUPPLY
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 TOM COCHRANE with Red Rider
Thursday, September 29 & Friday, September 30, 2022 Love Someone – An Intimate Evening with JOHNNY REID
Thursday, October 20 to Sunday, October 23 ACROSS THE POND: The British Invasion
Saturday, October 29, 2022 CANADIAN JAZZ ALL-STARS
Sunday, January 15, 2023 PIAF! The Show
Thursday, February 2, 2023 THE ORIGINAL WAILERS
Saturday, March 11, 2023 THE IRISH ROVERS

It has been a long, awkward and at times a very disappointing experience – but the curtains will open and the house lights will come down and the show will begin.

At which point Tammy Fox reaches for an adult beverage.

Covid19 changes everything – the Performing Arts Plans were scuttled and had to be re-scheduled. Here is what they plan for the 2023 Season. Hope does spring eternal – doesn’t it.

Return to the Front page

The Joseph Brant Museum re-open February 1st: True or false ?

By Staff

January 27th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

With the Phase 2 Roadmap to Reopen Covid19 restrictions due to be lifted on February 1st – the Joseph Brant Musem announced the opening of True or False? The Fun Science Exhibition on February 1.

This exhibition invites visitors to use their critical senses to examine three principal categories of information: nature and animals, humans and food, and science and technology. Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. Monday is the day with the highest number of heart attacks. An ostrich eye is larger than its brain. True or false? Visitors will have to watch and listen to evaluate the information and meet the challenges presented through various interactive stations.

The exhibition was produced by the Sherbrooke Museum of Nature and Science and made possible thanks to the financial contribution of the Museums Assistance Program of Canadian Heritage, the Jardin des animaux, Tim Hortons (Estrie) and Amgen Canada.

Chris Selman, Curator – Museums of Burlington explains: “True or False contains lots of fun, interactive elements and also presents its content as a game that folks have to work their way through. Importantly, though, it asks visitors to use their reasoning skills to assess a range of topics in order to separate fact from fiction. I really think that it’s this element that makes True or False a timely show for the Museums of Burlington.” –

True or False? will be on view at Joseph Brant Museum Museum from February 1 to May 21, 2022. Museum hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 3:30pm. In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, the Museums of Burlington has procedures in place to allow the public to safely enjoy the galleries and exhibitions currently on view.

Visitors to the Museum are asked to pre-pay admission online for a designated entry time. Entry times are available on the 1/2 hour. Walk-in visitors will be accommodated space permitting.

 

About Museums of Burlington
Museums of Burlington encompasses Joseph Brant Museum and Ireland House Museum.

Return to the Front page

Protesters supporting truck drivers who do not want to be vaccinated line most of the overpasses in the Halton area

By Staff

January 27th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Small groups leaned over the railings of overpasses along the 403 and 401 highways. Police advised the driving public to expect delays.

The crowds were not huge – but they were there at almost every overpass along the 403 and the 401 – applauding the trucks with their headlights on that were part of the Freedom Convoy – protesting the requirement that truck drivers be fully vaccinated.

Trucks flashing their lights were watched for hours by protesters.

People on the overpasses were calling it “exciting” and “awesome” while news media were reporting that more people died of Covid19 in January that any other month since the pandemic was declared.

So far, nationally, 32,966 Covid19-related deaths have occurred. Provincially the total is over 11,000.

Almost every overpass along main arterial roads had demonstrators waving flags and shouting.

Return to the Front page

It is not exactly wide open - but a step in the right direction. You can get out for a beer on the 31st

By Staff

January 27th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Provincial government is exiting Modified Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen. The city can now adjust its plans and reopen the city on January 31st. The plan is to stay with the reopen plan until February 21st when it will be reviewed again.

Recreation Facilities and Programs
When City of Burlington recreational programs, services and rentals resume, occupancy will remain at 50 per cent of room capacity for rentals, events and programs.

Rental and program participants must come to the facility dressed and ready for their activity and leave the facility promptly following the activity. As a result of the capacity restriction, change room and dressing room space is also limited to 50 per cent and may not be available. Spectator seating areas are also limited to 50 per cent, and occupancies will be posted.

Proof of vaccination with an enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code is required for entry into City recreational facilities. Individuals can save the electronic version of their certificate with a QR code to their phone or print a paper copy. Both paper and digital versions of the enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code will be accepted. Medical exemptions and clinical trial exemptions will require a certificate with a QR code. Physician notes will no longer be accepted.

Download your enhanced vaccine certificate at ontario.ca/getproof.

In addition to proof of vaccination, requirements for screening, masking and physical distancing remain in place for all recreation facilities.

Parents and/or guardians may enter a facility for a maximum of 15 minutes to drop off and pick-up a participant for a program, without showing proof of vaccination. Parents who are required to stay in the facility for the duration of the program must be fully vaccinated.

Facility Rentals and Program Providers
• Recreation facility renters and program providers will be able to resume scheduled rentals in City and school board locations starting Jan. 31. Organizations and individuals have been contacted directly by staff for rental contract adjustments.

• Booking requests for winter and spring rental times are now being accepted. For more information visit burlington.ca/rentals or email requests to rentals@burlington.ca.
In-Person Registered Recreation Programs

• Winter 2022 courses with program dates within the closure period up to and including Jan. 30 will be cancelled or rescheduled where possible. Registrants are being notified directly for refunds and credits.

• Courses that were intended to start in early January and program dates extend beyond Jan. 30 will resume with the first scheduled date on or after Jan. 31.

• Swimming lessons will resume with the first scheduled date on or after Feb. 5.

• Registrants are being notified directly and credits issued for classes cancelled during the shutdown.

• Recreation courses with dates starting on or after Jan. 31 will run as scheduled. Registrants will be contacted directly by staff if a change is required.

• There are still spots available in upcoming courses with start dates through February and March, including March Break Camps, and March Break swimming lessons. Browse and register online at burlington.ca/recreation.

Drop-In Programs and Book-A-Court
• Drop-in recreation programs for Jan. 31 onwards are now viewable online at burlington.ca/dropinandplay.
• Registration opens for residents 25-hours before program start time.
• New for this season, Drop-in programs for Adults will open for registration seven days before the program start time. Adult drop-in programs will resume on Feb. 7.
• Pickleball Book-A-Court times will be available for booking online starting Jan. 31 at burlington.ca/pickleball.

Recreation Passes
• Recreation passes were put on hold during the closure, and pass holders who wish to return can request to reactivate their pass by contacting customer service at liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738. Please allow two business days to reactivate.

• Recreation passes will be available for purchase online starting Jan. 31 at burlington.ca/memberships.
Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond

• Outdoor skating at Burlington Rotary Centennial Pond will require pre-registration for skate times up to and including Jan. 30. Completing COVID-19 screening is required for all skaters and those using indoor washroom.

• Starting Jan. 31, pre-registration and screening will no longer be required. Skating times will be open for casual drop-in daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. conditions permitting.

• Residents are encouraged to call the ice conditions hotline, 905-335-7738, ext. 8587 before leaving their house, to make sure that the Pond is open.

Recreation customer service can be reached at liveandplay@burlington.ca or 905-335-7738 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.

Impacts to other city services

Service Burlington
The Service Burlington counter at City Hall, at 426 Brant St., is open to the public to offer in-person services beginning Feb. 1, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

A reminder that Service Burlington is temporarily located on the second floor of City Hall during construction for the City Hall Modernization Project. Please enter City Hall through the Brant Street entrance and proceed to the second floor using the lobby elevator.

Service Burlington accepts payments for:
• Parking permits and tickets
• Property taxes
• Freedom of Information requests
• Garbage tags
• Dog licenses
• Property information requests
• Recreation services

Electronic payment methods are preferred.

Commissioning and marriage licensing services are also available by appointment. Please visit burlington.ca/marriage, burlington.ca/commissioning, or call 905-335-7777 to book your appointment.

Residents can also visit burlington.ca/onlineservices to access a variety of City services online. Service Burlington is available to answer questions by phone at 905-335-7777 and email at city@burlington.ca.

For more information on the City’s COVID-19 response, visit burlington.ca/coronavirus.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward said:
“The gradual reopening is a step in the right direction. While this pandemic continues to throw us curveballs, we must now turn our minds to how we can go about our daily lives while still protecting our health, safety, mental health and hospital capacities.

“Public health protection measures and protocols can also help our local businesses and schools remain open, and the City continue to offer the programs and services you depend on and enjoy. Thank you again to all of you who have been doing, and continue to do, your part.”

Return to the Front page

Mayor to deliver her State of the City address virtually on Thursday at 8:00 am

By Pepper Parr

January 26th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Tomorrow, Thursday, bright and early, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will be delivering her fourth State of the City, an event sponsored by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.

Her speech will set out what she has accomplished, and there is a lot to be proud of, and what she hopes to achieve during the last year of her first term as Mayor.

It will also be the first marker she puts down on the election campaign she will head into, probably as soon as the provincial election results are known in June.

Meed Ward could be in for a battle if rumours that former Mayor Rick Goldring decides to run for the job he lost to Meed Ward in 2018.

The State of the City address can be watched on the Chamber of Commerce web site.

You do need to register.

Click on the LINK to get to the registration page and scroll down.

 

 

 

Return to the Front page

Kearns Ward 2 walking tour - back by popular demand

By Staff

January 20th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Back by popular demand.

Ward 2 Councillor Lisa Kearns took more than 50 people on a walking tour of her ward last November.

She is going to do a second tour – people who missed the first tour wanted an opportunity to get a first hand look at what was planned for the ward.

Saturday February 5th – gather at the foot of Brant Street at Lakeshore Road at at 1:00 pm and watch what Lisa Kearns can do with a bull horn!

The November tour had a healthy crowd and decent weather – with Covid social distancing being observed

The map below is of the last November tour – same event in February.

If you want to take part – pop a note along to the Councillor’s office: ward2@burlington.ca

They’d like to get some idea of what to expect. Kearns has a arranged for a microphone so she can be heard this time.

Return to the Front page

Telephone Town Hall on city response to Covid19 pandemic

By Staff

January 19th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

 

TELEPHONE Town Hall this evening at 6:30 pm – it will run for an hour.

The purpose of the telephone town hall event is to share information and answer resident questions about the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and recent impacts on city programs and services.

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward will be on the telephone this evening – directing questions to a panel that will be with her.

The town hall will be hosted by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, who will be joined by a panel of local leaders, including representatives from Joseph Brant Hospital.

How to Participate
Residents who would like to participate in the town hall can do so in the following ways:

1. Register in advance: Burlington residential phone numbers will be randomly selected to be part of the telephone town hall. Residents who would like to be added to the telephone call list can email getinvolved@burlington.ca by noon on Jan. 18, 2022. Please note: if you registered for any of the previous town halls, you are not required to register your phone number a second time. If you wish to have your phone number removed from the call list, please email getinvolved@burlington.ca by noon on Jan. 18, 2022.

2. Join by telephone: Anyone who does not receive a telephone invitation can call 1-800-759-5308 just before 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 to join the town hall. For those individuals calling in, please be advised more than one attempt may be required due to the high volume of traffic on the phone lines. If the first call does not connect, please hang up and dial the 1-800 number again.

3. Listen to audio: Live audio from the Jan. 19 town hall will be broadcast on YourTV, channel 700 on Cogeco and on the YourTV Halton YouTube page.

Once the call begins, a moderator will provide participants with instructions for how to submit their questions to the leadership panel.

A recording and transcript of the town hall will be posted online after Jan. 19 at burlington.ca/townhall.

Return to the Front page